Absence of CCR4 exacerbates skin inflammation in an oxazolone-induced contact hypersensitivity model.

Chemokine receptor CCR4 is expressed by Th2 cells and is involved in the recruitment of inflammatory cells into the skin. We studied the effects of CCR4 deficiency in the murine model of oxazolone-induced contact hypersensitivity in CCR4-/- and wild-type (WT) mice. The inflammatory response in the skin at 24  hours post-elicitation was stronger in CCR4-/- mice compared with WT, evidenced by increased ear swelling and inflammatory cell infiltration.

Thaumatin-like protein and baker's respiratory allergy.

Background: Baker's asthma and rhinitis are among the most common occupational diseases. Inhaled cereal flours, such as wheat, especially cause this disease.

Objective: To identify and test in vivo clinically important wheat allergens in baker's respiratory allergy in a Finnish population.

Immunomodulatory effects of oak dust exposure in a murine model of allergic asthma.

Repeated airway exposure to wood dust has been reported to cause adverse respiratory effects such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. In our recent study, we found that exposure of mice to oak dust induced more vigorous lung inflammation compared to birch dust exposure. In the present study, we assessed the immunomodulatory effects of repeated intranasal exposure to oak dust both in nonallergic and in ovalbumin-sensitized, allergic mice.

Mechanisms of particle-induced pulmonary inflammation in a mouse model: exposure to wood dust.

Repeated airway exposure to wood dust has long been known to cause adverse respiratory effects such as asthma and chronic bronchitis and impairment of lung function. However, the mechanisms underlying the inflammatory responses of the airways after wood dust exposure are poorly known. We used a mouse model to elucidate the mechanisms of particle-induced inflammatory responses to fine wood dust particles.